Ask François Nars a beauty question!

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Want first-hand advice from NARS founder, makeup artist, and backstage visionary François Nars? The legend will be checking in to BeautyTalk after New York Fashion Week to personally address your posts. Post a question here, making sure to tag it with "askNARS". Also, don’t forget to subscribe to this post to get notified when he answers your question. (Check the “Subscriptions” box on the right side of the post page.)

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

Monsieur Nars, your products are simply sublime. I wore Schiap on my lips last night and felt unstoppable. So merci beaucoup for your wonderful contributions to the world of fashion and the confidence of women everywhere. My question is this: I love your brushes (especially those in the Kabuki Artisan Collection - they are phenomenal), but as a vegetarian and someone who is very interested in the rights of our furry friends I prefer to use brushes with synthetic bristles. I know that your brushes are cruelty-free because they are made simply by trimming the hair from the animal, but I was wondering if you would ever consider making a line of all synthetic brushes? I know with your genius and perfectionism that they would be tools unrivaled in the makeup industry. Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing what marvels you come up with next. Bon chance in your endeavors!

Being a makeup artist brand, it is important to have brushes that have excellent performance. While we do have some synthetic brushes in the line they are incorporated based on ability to provide the best application. There may be a need for additional synthetic brushes in the line in the future but they would be in order to provide the best application possible.

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

I have very light skin, with both pinkish and yellow undertones (mostly pinkish, but i tan very easily). I have been looking for a nice red lipstick that would suit my skin tone. I also have small lips and my top lip is a bit thinner than the bottom lip. Is red lipstick worth trying, or will it make my lips appear smaller and more noticeably thin? and what color would you recommend for me?

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

I have very light skin, with both pinkish and yellow undertones (mostly pinkish, but i tan very easily). I have been looking for a nice red lipstick that would suit my skin tone. I also have small lips and my top lip is a bit thinner than the bottom lip. Is red lipstick worth trying, or will it make my lips appear smaller and more noticeably thin? and what color would you recommend for me?

Everyone can wear a red lip! A great way to introduce a red lip into your make up wardrobe is to try a pigmented gloss. Baroque Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil would be a great way to try a red lip! Another "perfect" red shade that works well for everyone is Vesuvio Pure Matte Lipstick! Line your lips with Jungle Red Lip liner, then apply Vesuvio Pure Matte Lipstick. Lastly, apply Baroque Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil to just the center of the lips. The added shine creates depth and a "pouty" look for someone who has thin lips.

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

Hey! I love your products, but I struggle with finding the right foundation for my skin. I am acne prone, and somewhere between light and medium. What do you suggest for finding my right color and formula type?

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

Hey! I love your products, but I struggle with finding the right foundation for my skin. I am acne prone, and somewhere between light and medium. What do you suggest for finding my right color and formula type?

Thanks so much,

Kayla

Our Sheer Matte and Sheer Glow foundations are available in 20 shades, leaving you with endless possibilities to find your right match. If you visit NARS at Sephora, our artists will be happy to help you find the right finish and formula. For acne, make sure your skincare regimen is working for you. If it’s not, try going to see a dermatologist to fix any issues.

I wanted a blush that gives that fresh, healthy glow after an intimate encounter… and it looks great on all skin tones. The additional products were born from the success of the blush and the universal appeal of the shade regardless of texture.

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

Can you please make a shade similar to chelsea girls or belize in a velvet gloss lip pencil :-) xx LOVE LOVE LOVE the velvet lip pencil formulation (lanolin allergy) ... My makeup question is could you offer any advice on coordinating lipstick and blush - are there any faux pas? ...... looking forward to your new book!!!!

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

Can you please make a shade similar to chelsea girls or belize in a velvet gloss lip pencil :-) xx LOVE LOVE LOVE the velvet lip pencil formulation (lanolin allergy) ... My makeup question is could you offer any advice on coordinating lipstick and blush - are there any faux pas? ...... looking forward to your new book!!!!

I always recommend that you forget about rules when it comes to makeup. Play around and see what works best for you. Skintone, style and preference all play a role. But, when in doubt, a bold lip balanced with a lightly lined eye never goes out of style.

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

I would like to wear a new natural looking blush but most colors that have a tint of orange or peach turn orange on my skin. Any suggestions? I have VERY OILY fair skin, blue eyes and brown & silver hair.

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

I would like to wear a new natural looking blush but most colors that have a tint of orange or peach turn orange on my skin. Any suggestions? I have VERY OILY fair skin, blue eyes and brown & silver hair.

Thank you!

One of my favorite blushes for a fair skin that brings out the "orange" is Cactus Flower Cream Blush. Use your fingers to give cheeks a soft glowing pinkish hue. If you prefer a powder blush, try using Angelika Blush. Apply with a fluffy brush, like the NARS Kabuki Yachiyo Brush to temples, gently dusting it down onto apples. It’s a vibrant pink with no orange, and the slight luminosity gives the cheeks a healthy radiant glow.

RE. ask Francois Nars a beauty question

I have very oily eyelids and my eye makeup does not stay on.. I have tried multiple primers and they dont work. By mid morning my eye makeup has creased and diminished. Any tip that can help alleviate this issue because i really love my eye makeup.

Re: RE. ask Francois Nars a beauty question

I have very oily eyelids and my eye makeup does not stay on.. I have tried multiple primers and they dont work. By mid morning my eye makeup has creased and diminished. Any tip that can help alleviate this issue because i really love my eye makeup.

If you haven't tried our NARS Smudge-Proof Eyeshadow Base, head to the NARS section at Sephora immediately. A tip: apply it to your hand, then apply a heavily-pigmented shadow (Like Daphne Single Eyeshadow). Let it dry for a few seconds, then spray some water on it and see if it drips. It won't run!

Re: RE. ask Francois Nars a beauty question

If primer does not stay on, use an oil-free concealer 1-2 shades lighter than your actual skin tone (it can even be cheap concealer, like drugstore products) and then pat that in lightly and then put your shadows on. If you put a lot more on, it really neutralizes the color, but if you just put a slight bit on to keep the color.

I keep a book with me where I write down the many names that come to mind. I get inspired by just about anything: travel, film, art etc. At this point, I probably have enough shade names for the next few years.

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

Your runway looks are always stunning and flawless. What is your one can't-live-without/ use-on-every-model product and why?

Loose powder. With all of the colors and shades that NARS offers, loose powder is key in setting looks and ensuring a long-lasting, seamless appearance. We use it religiously backstage, but since it's translucent, it works for every-day as well.

Re: Ask François Nars a beauty question!

I just bought the Duo Eyeshadow in Brumes (matte charcoal and blue slate sheen). The colors are beautiful and super pigmented but I'm not sure how to wear them together. Hoping to get some advice on how to use both colors to create a great look that's still appropriate for work.